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DIY Wire Wrapped Cuff Bracelet

May 22, 2012

This was my entry for the One Crafty Contest on One Artsy Mama. I don’t know if you voted Monday or even early this morning. If you did, thank you for your support. I’ll have to see if I make it to the next round. Here is my description that I posted with my entry encase you didn’t get a chance to read it.

I couldn’t have been more excited when I found out the first challenge was beads. I decided I wanted to make a piece of jewelry that was going to be something that makes a bold statement and is versatile. This is a cuff bracelet that you can make yourself, and is affordable requiring minimal materials. It is a piece of jewelry that you can either dress up or down, depending on the occasion. The turquoise chips are one of my favorite colors and remind me of the ocean. They came from an old necklace that I no longer was getting much use out of, and I knew they would be perfect for this first challenge. I’m all about reusing something that you already have to create something better. So, whether you pair the cuff bracelet with your favorite jeans or your little black dress, this will quickly become your “go to” piece of jewelry.

Do you want to make one? Here’s what you need:

About 15″ Soft Gauge Aluminum Wire (This is a little more than what you need. However, it will give you the opportunity to have some excess with adjusting the size of the cuff bracelet. I had some that I had purchased a while back from Dick Blick Art Materials.

1 pkg. of 24 gauge Beadalon wire that is round

1 strand of chip beads (At Michael’s they have several different choices or here from Firemountain Gems or an old necklace.)

Wire cutters

Round nose pliers

Start by taking the aluminum wire and making a frame for the cuff bracelet. I made my bracelet roughly 1 1/2″ thick. If you want, you could make it a 2″ thick bracelet. The additional aluminum should allow for this. Overlap the ends of the wire.

Take the thin 24″ gauge wire and wire wrap the entire frame of the bracelet. This helps make it more rigid and keep it’s shape.

Next, take and thread a chip bead onto the wire.

Wrap the wire a couple of times around the frame and put the turquoise in place on the bracelet.

Wrap a couple of times again around the frame and repeat this process until the bracelet is complete. Remember, don’t pull the wire too tight. You want to keep the main frame of the bracelet from getting narrow in the center. Also, when starting or finishing a wire, make sure to hide the end or wrap it very well around the frame so the raw end is not exposed.

After all the stones have been placed on the bracelet, wrap a couple of wires through the entire bracelet. This helps fill it in a little more.

Now you have a very inexpensive bracelet that is a real show stopper! A must have for any wardrobe.

I saw your bracelet over at the contest and I LOVE it! And I love how simple and “do-able” you made your instructions! I love the look and I think it is just a perfect project! And thank you SO much for linking up over at my place You are being featured tonight!
Jaime

DEFINITELY A SHOW STOPPER!!! Congratulations, Melanie!! Your submission was definitely one of our favorites! It’s beautiful!! Glad you got the top votes because you deserved it Thanks for the tutorial, too!!!!

[...] one first place in a round of a crafting contest! Go Melanie!! Visit Artzy Creations for the full tutorial how to make one of these yourself. /* Posted by Pamela | Leave a Comment Filed Under: [...]

[...] This elegant wire wrapped cuff can quickly become a favorite since it can be dressed up or down. It is a great addition to any wardrobe. Since making one requires minimal materials it is especially perfect for DIY jewelry makers! Learn how at Artzy Creations. [...]